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Protect your patio setup from the elements. manhole lid and frame
Whether it’s no longer sunbathing weather or you simply want to keep your patio furniture looking its best, using an outdoor furniture cover is a great investment. These durable covers shield your summer loungers and teak bistro sets from rain, snow, debris, and the sun, extending the life of your furniture. Additionally, these covers keep everything clean, so you don’t have to spend too much time wiping down or dusting leaves from the crevices of your patio chairs.
The best outdoor furniture covers are made from durable, weatherproof fabric and fit snugly, which keeps them from shifting in gnarly storms. If you’re looking for covers to protect your patio decor from season to season, read on for our favorites, tested by our editors in real-world settings.
The fabric is excellent quality, and it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
You need to wait for the cover to dry before storing it.
This pick from Ultcover is made from super durable, 600D polyester, a tough and sturdy fabric specifically designed for rugged conditions. It features a waterproof backing, taped seams, breathable side vents, and adjustable straps and toggles for a secure fit when shielding your furniture from the elements. Not only is this set available in a dozen sizes and two colors but it also delivers way above its price point, both in function and in appearance. It also comes backed by a three-year warranty.
We used this to cover two couches, two chairs, a large table, and two small tables, pushed together to form a large square. We were immediately impressed by the weight and quality of the fabric. The straps let us tighten the covers, which held securely during windy days. After a couple of rainy weeks, we removed the covers to find the furniture underneath dry and clean. We couldn’t ask for more when it comes to outdoor furniture protection, which is why this cover earned the top spot on our list.
Dimensions: 88 x 62 x 28 inches (other sizes available) | Material: 600D (dernier) polyester | Waterproof: Yes
With sturdy fabric and tape-sealed seams, this cover can protect a dining table or any other large pieces.
It won’t cover the legs or wheels of all furniture. We also wish it came with a storage bag.
This pick from Duck Covers is ready to accommodate large dining sets; it’s available in a 96-inch size and a 140-inch size. Made of high-strength polyester, this cover is waterproof and will keep furniture shielded from rain, snow, leaves, wine, and just about everything else. Its seams are double-stitched for extra durability and tape-sealed at critical junctions to keep water and moisture out. The cover also has straps that click closed to attach to table legs for security. This isn’t designed to cover a table's legs or wheels down to the floor, however, so a small portion of your furniture may remain exposed.
The large size also makes it versatile — it’s meant for a dining table and chairs, but we also liked it for covering up other patio furniture like a sofa and coffee table during our tests. The fabric felt very durable and kept everything protected from rain, wind, and UV exposure. We liked the secure, tight fit the straps provided, and we didn’t notice the cover loosening or moving at all. We just wish it came with a case or bag for storing the cover when not in use, as it’s a little awkward to fold. One thing to consider when buying: The manufacturer recommends checking the manual for your furniture in the rare event that it’s not compatible with the PVC material of this cover.
Dimensions: 96 x 70 x 32 inches (other sizes available) | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
Food & Wine / Gabrielle Renslow
Even with bulkier chairs and a table, this sturdy cover offers full protection thanks to durable fabric and sturdy straps.
You may have to play around with cinching the cover for the perfect fit.
This round outdoor furniture cover set is made of tightly woven polyester with a waterproof and UV-resistant coating to protect against the elements. Available in five sizes, it features a drawstring and straps that allow you to attach it to the legs of your furniture, and tighten the bottom for a snugger fit. The cover also has handles for easy maneuvering and air vents to let your furniture breathe, preventing mold and mildew.
We liked the solid construction of this cover, noting the thick stitching and reinforced seams that feel as if they’d hold up under the worst winter weather conditions. We also appreciated the length of the cover, as it offered near total protection of the legs of a table and four chairs. Though we felt the furniture was well shielded against wind, sun, and some light rain, heavier rains tended to let water pool on the cover, requiring us to drain off the top. Regardless, the furniture was still dry underneath, and we didn’t find it seeping. Overall, we liked how this cover performed, but there may be a little bit of trial and error when figuring out how to cinch the bottom for the perfect fit.
Dimensions: 110 x 27.5 inches (other sizes available) | Material: Polyester with UV resistant coating | Waterproof: Yes
This affordable model is easy for one person to install and can cover all your furniture with room to spare.
The fold lines on the cover are still visible after weeks of use.
Available in 10 sizes, this affordable pick is made from 600D polyester, the fabric of choice for top-quality outdoor furniture covers. It features waterproof tape on its seams and a polyurethane coating for additional protection from the elements. Four padded handles offer some assistance with maneuverability, making it easy for you to cover and uncover your furniture, even by yourself. Integrated vents help keep airflow circulating to help prevent mold and mildew.
We used this to cover a four-piece sectional, side chair, and metal fire table, noting that it covered everything with plenty of room to spare. It would also fit a large dining table. The straps and adjustable cord made it easy to cinch the cover tightly for optimum protection. During our testing period, the cover didn’t budge, even on very windy days. One thing we noted was that the fold lines were still visible, even after weeks of use — not a dealbreaker, but it may bother someone who’s concerned with the aesthetics of their covered furniture. Other than that, you can’t beat this cover’s price point.
Dimensions: 108 x 82 x 27.9 inches (with other sizes available) | Material: 600D Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
With six available sizes, there’s a fit for almost any chair.
It won’t cover the legs or wheels of all furniture. We also wish it came with a storage bag.
If your outdoor furniture cover needs are smaller, this patio chair cover from Duck Covers fits the bill nicely. Available in six different sizes, it is made of the brand’s signature waterproof, tightly woven polyester, double-stitched, and seam-taped where needed. Four click-close buckles and an adjustable cord help to properly fit the cover to your chair. It’s also backed by a two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
We found this cover simple to install, thanks to the easy-to-use straps and click closures. It performed very well over a few weeks of testing, earning high marks for durability and protection during rains and high winds. One thing to consider when buying: The manufacturer notes that its PVC backing may react with certain finishes, sealants, or coatings. Aside from that, the cons we noted with the other Duck cover (Best Large) are the same: it may not cover your chair’s legs entirely, and the PVC backing may react with certain finishes, sealants, or coatings.
Dimensions: 29 x 30 x 36 inches (other sizes available) | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes
We love the Ultcover Rectangular Patio Cover for its incredible durability and performance. It's made from 600D polyester, which is super tough and sturdy to withstand all weather conditions, and it also has a waterproof backing, taped seams, and breathable side vents. The adjustable straps and toggles also came in handy for ensuring a snug fit without any shifting. Plus, the fact that it comes in several different sizes means we'd choose this outdoor furniture cover again and again.
Before we tested outdoor furniture covers against the elements, we took notes on the fabric quality, seams, and any ties or clips. We ordered covers to fit specific furniture sets, so we noted how easily we could put the covers on each piece, how tightly they fit, and any issues that came up with securing the covers. These first impressions factored into our top picks, but our main criteria for finding the best furniture covers came down to how well each one stood up to the elements.
We then left the furniture covers alone to let nature do its job, which involved rain, wind, and sunlight. During the testing period, we noted how well the covers stayed in place and how the covers responded to water (such as whether rain pooled up). Once we finished this part of the test, we removed the covers to evaluate how well they did their job. We looked for signs of wear and weather damage on both the furniture and covers, such as fading or shrinking. Finally, we considered how easily we could pack up the covers for future use.
When selecting an outdoor furniture cover, the first specification to look for is size. A cover that is too large may fit too loosely and will be more likely to sag and allow water or debris to pool, while a cover that is too small may not provide adequate protection. Don’t forget to also measure for height, to ensure the legs of your furniture are mostly or fully covered. For dining sets, push all the chairs in as far as possible and measure at the widest points to determine how big your over should be.
Many of the options we chose for our list are made from 600D (dernier) fabric, an industrial-strength nylon often used for outdoor gear. Look for materials that are thick and pliable, with sturdy stitching and reinforced seams. For secure attachment, be sure your chosen cover has straps to go around furniture legs, and an adjustable cord to cinch the bottom for a tighter fit.
For regions with milder climates, you may be able to get away with covers that are water-resistant. But for more extreme weather — like areas that get snow or tropical storms — it’s a good idea to pick one made with materials that have additional waterproofing and UV-resistant coatings for added protection.
Outdoor furniture covers can be awkward and bulky to store, so consider a storage bag for tucking them away when they aren’t in use. Durable and made of a water-resistant (not waterproof) fabric, these bags are meant to be left in your garage or other indoor, protected storage spaces. The best ones are roomy with a convenient zipper closure and handles for easy transport. If the cover you choose comes with one already, even better.
It isn’t mandatory, but it is highly recommended. An outdoor furniture cover can help protect your patio furniture from weather, wear, animals, and other debris so you don’t find yourself constantly having to clean.
You’ll want to spray the covers with a hose regularly to remove any debris from the surface. You can spot clean with mild detergent and a soft bristle brush as needed. It is also recommended to do a more thorough cleaning once a year, using mild detergent, a soft bristle brush, and cold or lukewarm water. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
When you’re not using them, you can simply fold them and tuck them into storage. Make sure they are clean and dry to avoid mold and mildew. There are also cover-specific bags that you can purchase to store your furniture covers in one place, like this one.
Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover ($91 at Amazon) This 93-inch cover feels heavy and substantial, and it provides effective protection from the wind, rain, and sun. It’s available in nine different sofa sizes and can be color-coordinated with Duck Covers Elite or Essential Series covers as well.
ULTCOVER Waterproof Outdoor Sofa Cover ($50 at Amazon) We ordered a large size to fit an extra deep outdoor sofa, and we were pleased with the quality as well as how easy it was to install and secure. This model comes in many different sizes and color options, and can also be coordinated with a grill cover from the same line.
Vailge Patio Chair Covers ($45 at Amazon) A fantastic bargain for a two-pack, this set of covers is made from heavy-duty 600D fabric, which offers excellent protection against the elements, including water and UV rays. They performed brilliantly during testing, and we couldn’t find anything to dislike — especially at this price.
Vailge Heavy Duty Patio Sofa Cover ($47 at Amazon) Just like the patio chair covers from the same brand, these are made from durable 600D polyester fabric that offers top protection for your outdoor furniture. Available in six sizes and two colors, it also features handles for easy installation and removal. They did very well against rain, wind, and debris in our tests, and we had zero complaints.
Article Hofte Lounger Cover ($119 at Article) If you’re looking to cover a lounger chair, this cover from Article delivers quality construction and a sleek design. We liked the zippers and bungees used to keep the cover secure and appreciated the more luxurious fabrication, but it comes at a price — they’re a bit more expensive than other covers out there.
sewer pit cover Bernadette Machard de Gramont is an LA-based freelance writer specializing in food, wine, cookware, and other kitchen and home products. After a two-year stint at Williams Sonoma headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.